Diversity and Religious Faith

Since Sioux Falls was incorporated as a city more than 150 years ago, the community has grown in both population and culture. Many residents claim ancestry from Germany, Norway and Ireland. In the last decade, Sioux Falls has transformed into an urban center with an ethnically and socially diverse population.

With more newcomers arriving from Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia, Sioux Falls is now home to residents speaking 124 languages and dialects from 94 countries and regions.

Many specialty shops - authentic ethnic restaurants, coffee shops and grocery stores, for example - have emerged throughout the city, contributing to the community both economically and culturally.

The religions and faiths practices in Sioux Falls have also expanded to reflect this diversity. With more than 150 churches anchoring the Sioux Falls community in nearly 40 denominations, worshipers may choose from nearly every faith and style of worship. And because many faiths reach out to serve the community at large, they also influence business, educational and cultural circles, as well as the community's spiritual life. Each Saturday, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader also prints all of the church services in the newspaper.

Lutheran Social Services (LSS)
605-357-0100
www.lsssd.org
From interpretation, refugee and immigration services to foster care and adoption services, LSS has been bringing people in need together with people who care for more than 80 years. LSS is the largest private nonprofit social service agency in South Dakota. Each year, LSS serves more than 34,000 South Dakotans. LSS serves people of all ages, races, faiths and economic levels with affordable, confidential services.

Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls (MCC)
605-367-7400
www.multi-culturalcenter.org
The Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls builds bridges of understanding, tolerance and cooperation among ethnic groups in the area. MCC serves as a resource center for the area's culturally diverse community through assistance with advocacy, housing, health services, adult services, driver's education and youth services.

Sioux Falls Ministerial Association
Pastor Dan Freed
Hilltop United Methodist Church
605-338-8689
This group is a network of area religious leaders who gather on Wednesdays at noon from September through May at Sanford Hospital and USD Medical Center. The group meets for fellowship, to listen to speakers and to exchange information. Contact them for information about local churches and the denominations that practice in the area.